Living in Maitri Park

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo has a strong Afro-Caribbean culture and feel. The culture here is also influenced by the Talamanca mountains, and the Bribri and Cabecar Indian indigenous people.

This quaint beach front community is more exposed to the sea than neighboring towns, which encourages shore side strolls, and dancing to live music in the evenings. Cabinas, cantinas, restaurants and craft stands line the shoreline with ever present reggae and calypso music in the backdrop. The palm and jungle fringed beaches with both black and white sand are good for both surfing and swimming. Puerto Viejo is a peaceful and diverse town offering many activities.

Regardless of how you like to travel, Puerto Viejo is an unforgettable vacation spot that is guaranteed to clear the mind from all the hustle and bustle back home.

RESTAURANTS
Puerto Viejo has a diverse selection of foods, both local and international. European, Middle Eastern, Asian, US and of course the local flavors are all represented here. Small cafes, bakeries and street vendors offer various foods all over town.

Our favorite restaurant is TRATTORIA DE CESARE, located right behind KAYA’S PLACE HOTEL.  Soda Miss LIDIA’S has amazing Caribbean dishes with typical sides. Her chocolate cake is excellent. LOCO NATURAL has exciting noveau cuisine, and has live music Wednesday through Sunday. For Asian food and sushi, RESTAURANTE STANFORDS has an extensive selection of exotic dishes. EL ORO serves delicious seafood. MAXIS in Manzanillo has lobster and red snapper at an excellent price. BREAD AND CHOCOLATE, a local bakery, serves breakfast and lunch - everything is good.  PEACE AND LOVE serves great food all day. They have daily specials and a big breakfast for a reasonable price.

It is not possible to mention all of the great spots to eat. If you're looking for something special, ask around, it's here.

NIGHT LIFE
In the tropics, the sun goes down around six every day. Puerto Viejo comes alive at night!

Stores, crafts vendors, restaurants, bars and discos all cater to those who enjoy the nightlife.  Johnny's Place has Ladies Night on Thursdays and is the most popular disco on Saturday nights. Stanford's Discotheque also crowds up on weekends with an interesting mix of hit list music, salsa, soca and merengue. Every Wednesday Maritza hosts Open Jam Night, with performances from knock-out local talent and tourists. They also host live Calypso music Sunday nights, attracting many locals for an evening of song and dancing. Hot Rocks has a big screen with two movies showing every night.  Sunset Bar is a popular Sports Bar.